Know Before You Go – Michigan

Michigan is the only Midwestern state to border four out of the five Great Lakes, and to feature two separate peninsulas. Although The Mitten State is most commonly known for its part in automotive history, it’s had its own fair share of devastating events, such as the Bath School disaster. From its ironic nickname to the official state language, here are five remarkable morsels about The Great Lakes State. 

First State to Abolish the Death Penalty

While many states may have gotten rid of the death penalty over the years, Michigan abolished the penalty for every crime except treason in 1846; which also made it the first English-speaking government to eliminate the death sentence. 

Ironically Nicknamed

Although known as The Wolverine State, there are no living wolverines in Michigan. The last one discovered in the state was in 2004 in Huron County. It was the first one spotted in 200 years, but has since passed on. 

Highest Payback Rate on Can Recycling

Unlike other states which give either five cents or recycle cans by the pound, Michigan offers 10 cents back for every can you recycle. Due to the high payback rate, the state also has the highest recycling rate. However, due to out of state residents fraudulently cashing in, Michigan loses over $10 million per year. 

There Is No Official State Language 

The Wolverine State is one of very few states to not have an official language. However the three most commonly spoken languages in the state are: English, Spanish, and Arabic. 

Michigan Is Packed With Crazy Laws 

Over the years, the state has had a wide variety of extreme and unusual laws. These have included: it being illegal for a robber to file a lawsuit if the robber was injured in your home; cars cannot be sold on Sundays; a woman cannot cut her own hair without her husband’s permission; and people may not be drunk on trains.